Which Volcanoes Can You Actually Visit In Iceland?

Iceland is widely known as the “Land of Fire and Ice” and its volcanoes play a significant role in encouraging people to visit. Over the past five years, some travellers have been exceptionally lucky, timing their visit to coincide with one of a series of eruptions that has taken place in the Reykjanes peninsula. But its dormant volcanoes are just as much a focus for visitors, particularly Katla and Eyjafjallajökull.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of Iceland’s most famous volcanoes, explore which ones you can safely access, offer tips on what to bear in mind when choosing tours and discuss some of the best experiences and activities. If you’ve ever thought about paying a visit to a volcano in Iceland, read this before you start making plans.

Iceland boasts in the region of 130 volcanoes; these form thirty or so volcanic systems which connect craters, vents, magma chambers and tubes. The majority of these volcanic systems are classified as dormant, which means that by definition they can erupt at any time but aren’t doing so at present. In practice, experts closely monitor them meticulously collecting, recording and analysing data in order to ensure sufficient warning can be given of any activity that’s likely to cause a problem.

Mount Fagradalsfjall, located on the Reykjanes peninsula, obliged by putting on a show throughout the summer of 2021. When it burst into life that March, the initial warning signs that something was afoot came as quite a shock. There had been no significant volcanic activity on the peninsula for more than 800 years.

Once the Icelandic authorities had established it was safe to do so, tour operators clamoured to provide ways of showing it to locals and overseas visitors with guided hikes to safe lookouts and sightseeing flights in helicopters and light aircraft. People came as much for its novelty value as for the lava fountains and flows themselves.

Mount Fagradalsfjall kicked off again for a shorter period in August 2022. This time, the eruption subsided much more quickly than before. Gradually the magma forced its way underground, heading south west to Svartsengi and the Sundhnúkur crater row, where activity has continued on and off pretty much ever since.

Initially, the eruption was well away from homes and infrastructure, but more recent phases of this volcanic activity have impacted the port town of Grindavik. After a series of earthquakes and other warning signs, cracks split some streets wide apart and a few residences were engulfed by lava flows.

While some residents have been able to remain, others have had to move away as their homes were threatened by lava flows. Fortunately, the Icelandic authorities have managed the eruption well, building barriers to protect infrastructure and closing large areas for safety reasons during initial eruption. You can get the full story about what happened to Grindavík and what it experienced here.

Lava flows also cut off the turn off to the Blue Lagoon for a short time, forcing its temporary evacuation. A visit to Grindavík is fascinating, showing just how close the lava got, and the cooled flows you’ll see on the way to the Blue Lagoon are equally compelling. Right now, the eruptions are on pause and the experts continue their monitoring. Stay abreast of what’s happening with these latest volcano updates in Iceland.

Katla

Katla is one of the country’s most active volcanoes. Historical records show that there have been at least twenty major eruptions since 920AD. These tend to be explosive, resulting in tephra ejections and, because Katla is covered by ice, massive jökulhlaups (glacial outburst floods). However the most recent eruption took place back in 1918. Since then, there have been signs of activity such as sulphur emissions, earthquakes and worrisome jökulhlaups. Katla is considered one of Iceland’s “most dangerous” volcanoes which means that it is monitored around the clock and extensive evacuation schemes are in place for the area. For now, Katla remains dormant as Icelanders anticipate its next move.

Eyjafjallajökull

If you happened to be travelling anywhere in the northern hemisphere in April 2010 then you’ll definitely remember the Eyjafjallajökull eruption. It sent a huge ash cloud high into the atmosphere, disrupting aviation as wind and jet stream patterns spread the ash towards mainland Europe. The world’s media reported on the passengers impacted by grounded flights. They often struggled to pronounce the volcano’s tricky name, which translated means Island Mountain Glacier.

Bárðarbunga

Bárðarbunga is a large volcano that lies beneath the north-western part of Vatnajökull in the Icelandic Highlands. Its last eruption took place from August 2014 to February 2015 which by Bárðarbunga’s standards was a relatively low-key event. Its most explosive eruption in recorded history was in 1477, which was classified as a 6 – colossal – on the Volcanic Explosivity Index, a scale measured from 0 to 8. Compare that to the 2021 Mount Fagradalsfjall event in Reykjanes which was a 0 and you’ll realise just how powerful an eruption that was.

Grímsvötn

Like Bárðarbunga, Grímsvötn is also concealed by the Vatnajökull ice cap, but located further south. It has erupted many times since Iceland was first settled, most recently in 2011 when it chucked out large quantities of tephra rock fragments with barely an hour’s notice. Since then, aside from some closely monitored jökulhlaups, nothing much has happened, and this volatile volcano sleeps, for now.

Hekla

It’s been more than a quarter of a century since Hekla’s last eruption but you’d be foolish to rule out future events as this is another of Iceland’s most active volcanoes. There have been 23 recorded eruptions in the past 1000 years. Typically, Hekla bursts into life with what experts dub a Plinian explosion sending ash and pieces of rock high into the air. This usually subsides fairly quickly before giving way to lava flows.

There’s a surprising range of ways you can approach a visit to a volcano in Iceland. Many of the tours in Iceland and activities offered to visitors take place on long-dormant volcanoes, for obvious reasons. But Iceland volcano tours come in many forms, so here’s some inspiration if you’re keen to add this thrilling element to your itinerary. Some of them also incorporate a ride in one of Iceland’s most iconic vehicles: the super jeep. You can read more in our Ultimate Guide to Super Jeep Tours in Iceland.

Ride the Volcano Shuttle

While the focus of the ongoing Reykjanes eruption shifted down to Svartsengi and the Sundhnúkur crater row, there’s still plenty to see where activity began back in 2021. When the eruption first started, getting to the ridge for a view over the slow-moving lava involved a significant hike over uneven ground. Now, there’s a much easier way to see the blackened river of lava and initial eruption site: the Volcano Shuttle.

Simply board a super jeep for the ride up to see the legacy of Mount Fagradalsfjall’s eruption. The lava field is a scarred yet striking landscape. This specially-modified vehicle makes light work of the steep, rough terrain, allowing you to travel in comfort – surely the easiest way to get your volcano fix? Visitors are invited to take in the view from three separate viewpoints, each providing the opportunity to witness the power of nature and understand how dramatic the changes to the landscape in this area have been.

Experience the volcanic wonders of Reykjanes Geopark

Reykjanes’ volcanic wonders are impressive enough for the area to have received UNESCO Global Geopark status, awarded to places whose geological heritage is deemed of international value. Tours begin at Seltún Geothermal Area: look on as mud pools plop and bubble beside steaming solfataras and fumaroles. Follow a wooden boardwalk through a landscape stained red, yellow, white and grey by mineral deposits, in which the air is heavy with sulphur.

Afterwards, hike to see the recent lava fields at Fagradalsfjall, where the landscape has been altered forever by the ongoing eruption. Move on to Grindavik, where its impact on this port community is heartbreakingly evident yet demonstrates the resilience of the Icelandic people for whom living alongside volcanoes is a fact of life. Round off a memorable day with a soak at an Icelandic icon. It’s also possible to combine these volcanic wonders and the Blue Lagoon, itself once temporarily cut off by creeping river of lava.

Descend into a volcano

Iceland’s volcanic caves and lava tubes are fascinating places to visit. Even though these volcanoes have been dormant for many thousands of years, there’s something electrifying about the idea of standing in the same spot that molten lava once flowed or where magma once collected in a subterranean chamber. There are many places on the planet where you can access lava tubes, but only one where you get to go inside a volcano.

That place is Þríhnúkagígur volcano. First, you’ll hike across the Icelandic countryside for around 45 minutes to reach the crater – the only other way to access the site is by helicopter. There, you’ll board an open cable lift to be winched down 120 metres (400 feet) into a cavernous space that 4500 years ago was filled with magma. To witness the vivid colours and rock formations with your own eyes is truly something incredible.

Hike to the peak of a volcano

In the west of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, you’ll find the Snæfellsjökull National Park, named for the glacier-capped volcano which is its most prominent landmark. Though many visitors are content to see this volcano from ground level on our regular Snæfellsnes tour, fit and fearless types are likely to be excited at the prospect of a climbing trip. It’s certainly one of the most unique things to do in Iceland.

Scaling Snæfellsjökull is challenging and shouldn’t be underestimated. Reaching the summit involves a 750 metre (2460 feet) elevation gain across terrain which is both precipitous and glacial. It can take as much as six hours to reach the top, where the views are nothing short of extraordinary. Trips are always accompanied by an experienced mountain guide and will involve the use of equipment: crampons, helmet, ice axes and ropes.

Summit Eyjafjallajökull

While you’re trying to figure out how to say it, why not climb it? If hiking to the top of Snæfellsjökull is a little too much, perhaps consider a hike that’s just as absorbing but slightly easier and summit Eyjafjallajökull instead. The ash cloud of this once headline-grabbing volcano has long since dissipated and now dormant, it’s considered safe to visit Eyjafjallajökull once more.

From the top of this beautiful stratovolcano you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Icelandic highlands, the Mýrdalsjökull glacier – the country’s fourth largest – and, out in the ocean, the marvellous Westman Islands. You’ll need to be an experienced hiker to manage and enjoy this but no technical skills are required. It’s a five to seven hour slog to the top but the rewards will speak for themselves.

Step inside one of Katla’s ice caves

Located close to Vik, Katla volcano is shrouded by the Kötlujökull outlet glacier, part of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier. But the ice isn’t a single solid block; instead, it’s split by crevasses and riddled with moulins and ice caves. If you’re adventurous and reasonably fit, a guided hike to one of these ice caves is a must; however, because they are dynamic, potentially dangerous environments, you should never do so independently.

Super jeeps ferry participants to a trailhead marooned amid a lava field; after pulling on a helmet and crampons, the group hikes across this starkly beautiful terrain to reach the edge of the glacier. With the aid of ropes and steps cut into the ice, it’s possible to step inside and admire the remarkable spaces that have been created by meltwater. In places, the ice has been compressed to appear blue; elsewhere it’s streaked with charcoal grey volcanic ash.

Iceland’s volcanoes are a must for anyone keen to understand the processes that have shaped the landscapes of this remarkable country. A visit to a volcano in Iceland, in whatever guise that takes, won’t disappoint.